Bridesmaids' Dress Fittings: What To Expect And Prepare For

Being a bridesmaid is a big responsibility, but it's also a lot of fun. To ensure you look and feel your best on the big day, it's essential to plan for dress alterations. Here's what you can expect during your visit to the seamstress or tailor:

The First Fitting:

Your seamstress or tailor will evaluate your dress and discuss the necessary alterations with you. This is your opportunity to ask questions and make specific requests. Don't be afraid to speak up and advocate for what you want!

What to Bring:

It is crucial to bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on the wedding day. These items ensure that your dress's fit is as accurate as possible. If you intend to wear shapewear with your gown, bring it along, too, as it can impact the fit and overall look.

Timeline:

The timeline for alterations can vary, but it's best not to wait until the last minute. Aim to schedule your first fitting about a month before the wedding, and the final fitting a few weeks before. This allows for any necessary adjustments and ensures a perfect fit.

Cost:

The cost of alterations depends on various factors, such as the type of alteration, fabric, dress design, and your location. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay between $45 and $150 for alterations, with more complex adjustments costing more.

Common Alterations:

The most common bridesmaid dress alterations include hemming, taking in the sides, and shortening straps. Hemming ensures your dress is the right length, taking into account the height of your heels. Taking in the sides gives you a custom fit, making you feel like the dress was made for you. Shortening straps prevent them from slipping off your shoulders, ensuring comfort and confidence throughout the day.

So, embrace the process, schedule those fittings, and let your tailor work their magic!

Hemming

The cost of hemming a bridesmaid dress typically ranges from $45 to $90, but several factors can influence the final price. These include the number of dress layers, the width of the dress, whether it requires a rolled or horsehair hem, and whether the hem is done from the waist.

It is recommended to bring the shoes you plan to wear on the wedding day to your fitting, as this will ensure the hem is the correct length. You should also bring any undergarments or shapewear you plan to wear, as these can impact the fit of the dress.

Straightforward alterations like hemming typically take around 1-2 weeks to complete, but it's important to schedule your fitting well in advance to ensure the tailor has availability. It's recommended to have your first fitting about a month before the wedding, or 6 weeks in advance if you think your dress needs extensive adjustments.

If you're unsure about whether to alter the length of your dress, keep in mind that you don't want to be tripping over your dress as you walk down the aisle! Hemming is a must-have alteration if your dress is too long.

Taking in the bust, waist, or hips

If you're in between sizes or your dress doesn't fit quite right, taking it in at the bust, waist, or hips can help you achieve that flawless fit. A good seamstress will work with you to ensure your dress fits flawlessly and makes you feel absolutely gorgeous. Most bridesmaid dresses can be taken in by up to two sizes without affecting the overall design.

Taking in a dress is generally easier than letting it out. So, if you're unsure about your size, it's always better to go for the larger size. If you're concerned about weight fluctuations, a good seamstress will work with you to address these concerns and achieve the perfect fit.

The cost of taking in the bust, waist, or hips will depend on the complexity of the alteration, the fabric of the dress, and your location. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay between $75 and $150 for dress alterations, with more complex alterations costing $150 or more.

To ensure a smooth alteration process, bring your dress, shoes, and any undergarments or shapewear you plan to wear to your fitting appointment. Additionally, aim to schedule your first fitting at least one to two months before the wedding, especially if you think you'll need extensive adjustments. This will give you plenty of time for multiple fittings and any necessary adjustments.

Shortening straps

Bridesmaid dresses are often designed with straps on the longer side to accommodate women of all shapes and heights. However, this can lead to the straps slipping off your shoulders or requiring constant adjustment. Luckily, shortening straps is a simple alteration that can be completed in about 1-2 weeks.

If you're struggling to keep your bridesmaid dress straps in place, don't hesitate to take them to a tailor for a quick adjustment. You'll be glad to say goodbye to tugging at your dress and hello to a night of dancing and celebrating without any wardrobe malfunctions. A skilled tailor will be able to remove the excess material on the strap so that it fits you perfectly, leaving you feeling comfortable and confident.

When altering the straps, the tailor will consider the style of your dress and your personal preference. They may add embellishments to conceal where the material was altered, or they may replace the strap entirely. It's important to find a tailor who has experience with wedding or formal attire alterations and can work with you to complete the design of your dress.

To ensure a smooth alteration process, be sure to bring your shoes and undergarments to the fitting. Additionally, if you have specific alteration requests or inspiration photos, bring those along to provide a clear vision to the tailor.

Costs and pricing

The cost of bridesmaid dress alterations can vary depending on several factors, and it's helpful to be aware of these when budgeting for your dress. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay between $50 and $240 for alterations, with most falling somewhere between $75 and $150. However, in some cities, tailoring can cost up to $240 or more.

The type of alteration needed will impact the cost. For example, shortening the hem or straps will generally be less expensive than making significant changes like taking in the sides or letting out the dress. If you're lengthening a dress, this will also likely be more costly than shortening it.

The fabric and design of the dress are other key considerations. Delicate or detailed materials like lace and silk typically incur higher costs due to the extra care and skill required to work with them. Similarly, gowns with intricate details such as beading, sequins, multiple layers, or a horsehair hem will likely result in higher alteration fees.

The location also plays a role in pricing. Alterations in areas with a higher cost of living or during peak wedding season may be more expensive. Additionally, if you require urgent alterations, you may be charged a premium.

To save money, consider choosing an A-line dress style, which typically requires fewer alterations. You can also opt to skip hem alterations if you feel comfortable with the current length of your dress. Selecting a dress with adjustable straps can also help avoid extra costs.

What to bring to a fitting

When it comes to your bridesmaid dress fitting, there are several things you should bring along to ensure a smooth and productive appointment. Here's a list of what to bring:

• The dress itself: This may seem obvious, but don't forget to bring your bridesmaid dress to the fitting!
• Shoes: Bring the exact shoes you plan to wear on the big day. The height of your shoes will determine the perfect hem length and even impact your posture. If you're unsure about the shoes, bring a pair as close to the heel height you plan on wearing as possible.
• Undergarments: Your choice of undergarments, such as a bra, underwear, and shapewear, can significantly impact how your body fits the dress. Be sure to wear or bring these items to your fitting.
• Accessories: If you plan to wear any specific accessories, such as jewellery or hair accessories, consider bringing them along. While you don't need to bring glam items, it's important to have everything else you'll be wearing on the day.
• Specific alteration requests: If you have particular alteration requests or inspiration photos, bring them along to provide a clear vision to the seamstress.

Additionally, while not something to "bring", consider doing your hair and makeup before the fitting. You don't need to go overboard, but a little glam will boost your confidence as you try on the dress and view yourself in the mirror.

Frequently asked questions